52 MR. sponge's sporting tour. 



altogether — and few, very few, give satisfaction. Those that do, 

 generally retire from the public stud to the private one. But to our 

 particular quadruped, " Hercules." 



Mr. Sponge was not without his misgivings, that, regardless of 

 being on his preferment, the horse might exhibit more of his pecu- 

 liarity than would forward his master's interests, and, independently 

 of the disagreeableness of being kicked off at the cover side, not be- 

 ing always compensated for by falling soft, Mr. Sponge thought, as 

 the meet was not far off, and he did not sport a cover hack, it would 

 look quite as well to ride his horse quietly on as go in a fly, provided 

 always he could accomplish the mount — the mount — like the man 

 walking with his head under his arm — being the first step to every- 

 thing. 



Accordingly, Mr. Leather had the horse saddled and accoutred as 

 quietly as possible — his warm clothing put over the saddle imme- 

 diately, and everything kept as much in the usual course as possible, 

 so that the noble animal's temper might not be ruffled by unaccus- 

 tomed trouble or unusual objects. Leather having seen that the 

 horse could not eject Mr. Sponge even in trousers, had little fear of 

 his dislodging him in boots and breeches ; still it was desirable to avoid 

 all unseemly contention, and maintain the high character of the stud, 

 by which means Leather felt that his own character and consequence 

 would best be maintained. Accordingly, he refrained from calling 

 in the aid of any of the stable assistants, preferring for once to do a 

 little work himself, especially when the rider was up to the trick, 

 and not " a gent" to be cajoled into " trying a horse." Mr. Sponge, 

 punctual to his time, appeared at the stable, and after much patting, 

 whistling, so — so — ing, my man, and general ingratiation, the re- 

 doubtable nag was led out of the stable into a well-littered straw- 

 yard, where, though he might be gored by a bull if he fell, the " eyes 

 of England " at all events would not witness the floorer. Horses, 

 however, have wonderful memories and discrimination. Though so 

 differently attired to what he was on the occasion of his trial, the 

 horse seemed to recognise Mr. Sponge, and independently of a few 

 snorts as he was led out, and an indignant stamp or two of his foot 

 as it was let down, after Mr. Sponge was mounted he took things 

 very quietly. 



" Now," said Leather, in an under-tone, patting the horse's arched 

 neck, " I'll give you a hint ; they're a goin' to run a drag to try what 

 he's made on, so be on the look-out." 



" How do you know ? " asked Mr. Sponge, in surprise, drawing 

 his reins as he spoke. 



" I know" replied Mr. Leather, with a wink. 



Just then the horse began to plunge, and paw, and give symptoms 

 of uneasiness, and not wishing to fret or exhibit his weak points, Mr. 

 Sponge gave him his head, and passing through the side-gate was 



